Pennsylvania Notary Bond ($10,000) — Cost & Requirements

Bond Amount

$10,000

Typical Premium

$50 (4-year term)

Term

4 Years

Required By

PA Department of State Bureau of Commissions

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What Is the Pennsylvania Notary Public Bond?

Pennsylvania's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA, 57 Pa. C.S.) requires every notary applicant to file a $10,000 surety bond with the Bureau of Commissions before the notary commission takes effect. The bond covers the entire 4-year commission term.

The bond protects parties damaged by:

Notarial misconduct or fraud
Negligent identification of signers
Improper journaling under RULONA
Notarizing without the signer present

The bond is filed electronically alongside the notary commission application.

Who Needs This Bond in Pennsylvania?

All Pennsylvania notaries public — new commissions and renewals
Online notaries performing remote notarizations — same $10,000 bond plus electronic-record-keeping requirements
State and federal employees performing notarizations as part of official duties may use a state-issued bond in some cases

How Much Will the Bond Cost?

Pennsylvania notary bonds are issued at fixed rates with no credit check. The total premium for a 4-year term is typically $50:

Credit Profile	Annual Premium	Approx. Rate
Pennsylvania notary bond ($10,000, 4 yr)	$50	Fixed
E&O insurance (optional but recommended)	+$25 – $200 total	Varies by limit
State application fee + commission fee	$42	Set by PA DOS

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

Complete the 3-hour notary education course required for first-time appointees.
Pass the Pennsylvania notary exam (administered by Pearson VUE).
Apply for your $10,000 bond — instant issuance.
Submit notary commission application through the Department of State portal — the surety files your bond electronically.
Take the oath of office at the County Recorder's office and order your seal.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

Pennsylvania notary commissions and bonds run on a 4-year term. You may apply for renewal up to 6 months before expiration. RULONA does not require continuing education for renewal — just a new bond and renewed application. Online notary registration must also be renewed at the same interval if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is education required for renewal?

Pennsylvania currently requires the 3-hour course only for first-time appointees. Renewing notaries are exempt unless their commission has lapsed for more than 6 months.

Do I need a separate bond for online notary authority?

Pennsylvania uses the same $10,000 bond for traditional and online notary acts. Additional electronic-record-keeping requirements apply for online notaries but no second bond is required.

Where do I file the bond and oath?

The bond is filed with the Department of State Bureau of Commissions. The oath of office is administered separately at the Recorder of Deeds in your principal county of business within 45 days of commission.

What's the most common notary bond claim in PA?

Notarizing without the signer present (or with improper identification) is the most common claim type. Maintaining a thorough journal is the best defense.

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Underwriting Disclosure. All surety bond applications are subject to underwriting review and approval by the issuing surety company. Quoted premiums are estimates only; final pricing is determined by individual underwriting factors, which may include personal and business credit history, financial statements, industry experience, and claims history. Many bonds qualify for instant online approval, while others may require additional documentation, financial review, or indemnitor signatures prior to issuance. SuretyBondly makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee of approval, eligibility, premium amount, bond form, or issuance timing. Bond amounts, forms, and requirements are governed by the applicable obligee and statutory authority and may change without notice. Information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.